A DEPART (03m ME 8: FIRE 8551? "memo CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE PROTECTION NAPA UNIT 1199 Big Tree Road St. Helena, CA 94574 INVESTIGATION REPORT CASE NUMBER: CASE NAME: DATE: INCIDENT TYPE: INCIDENT 17CALNUO10045 Tubbs October 8, 2017 Wildland Fire John MARTINEZ, Battalion Chief CZU Vince BERGLAND, Battalion Chief, CSR Matt FRANKLIN, Fire Captain, BDU Mark FRITS, Battalion Chief - TGU Scott LOHSE, Fire Captain TGU Greg ROATH, Fire Captain SKU Mike THOMPSON, Battalion Chief CNR Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNUO10045 1 1 - 2 None 3 LE8O (Rev. 7/2011) 2 Officer Initials Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 2 - SUMMARY: On the evening of Sunday, October 8, 2017 a red flag warning was in effect throughout the North Bay including Napa County. Temperatures that evening were in the 60's to lower 70?s, with humidity in the 10-18% range. Wind models later prepared by CAL FIRE Northern Operations Predictive Services estimated ridgetop winds could have reached 55 to 90 mph. At approximately 9:41 PM. Michelle HICKMAN (M. HICKMAN), a resident of Calistoga, CA reported a fire occurring in the area of Hwy 128 and Tubbs Road. The fire was named the Tubbs Fire and eventually burned 36,807 acres in both Napa and Sonoma Counties and destroyed 5636 structures including 4651 residential structures, 94 commercial properties and 891 outbuildings. The fire damaged an additional 230 residential structures, 22 commercial structures and 65 outbuildings. The Tubbs Fire included 22 civilian fatalities. On October 9,2017, I arrived at approximately 2:30 PM. in Napa County to assist with the origin and cause investigation of the Tubbs Fire. On October 11, 2017 was assigned as the lead investigator to conduct an origin and cause investigation for the Tubbs Fire. During the course of my investigation I located a General Origin Area (GOA) and subsequently a Specific Origin Area (SOA) on a privately-owned parcel off of Bennett Lane in Calistoga, CA. After a thorough, systematic investigation, taking into account witness statements, opinions of experts, physical evidence, collected electronic data, and fire direction indicators, the SOA of the Tubbs fire is near the primary residential structure and immediate area surrounding the structure at - - During my investigation, I eliminated all other causes for the Tubbs Fire, with the exception of an electrical caused fire originating from an unknown event affecting privately owned conductor or equipment. LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 3 Officer Initials 3M. Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNUO10045 1 3 - 2 None 3 LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 4 Officer Initials 2E1 Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 4 - VICTIMS: The Tubbs Fire included 22 civilian fatalities, listed below (by age and location of death): LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 5 Officer Initials LIL Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 WITNESSES: W1 Michelle HICKMAN (M. HICKMAN) 3381 Highway 128 Calistoga, CA 94515 Dos- M. HICKMAN was the first reporting party to the Tubbs Fire. She can testify to what she saw from her residence the night of the fire on October 8, 2017. W2 Ron RISI (R. RISI) Calistoga, CA 94515 DOB R. RISI can testify his power went off sometime after 9:00 PM. on October 8, 2017. He also received a call from S. THOMPSON at an unknown time after 9:00 PM. telling him there was a fire on the hillside and to get out. R. RISI can testify when he left his residence, he noticed the fire was to the south on the west side 0- W3 Shawn THOMPSON (S. THOMPSON) Calistoga, CA 94515 S. THOMPSON can testify that he was awoken by his wife on October 8, 2017, telling him there was a fire. He can also testify he observed flames in the backyard coming down the hill towards him and after he evacuated the house and parked on Hwy 128, he LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 6 Officer Initials Tubbs Incident October 8. 2017 17CALNUO10045 noticed fire above his house coming down from where m. house was. W4 Linda THOMPSON (L. THOMPSON) Calistoga, CA 94515 Doe: L. THOMPSON can testify she was in her house on the evening of October 8, 2017 when she heard smoke alarms began to ring and she could smell smoke. When leaving the house there were embers flying and she couldn?t tell where they were coming from. She called 911 at 9:52 PM. as she and S. THOMPSON drove down the driveway. W5 Roger LUTZ (R. LUTZ) Napa County Fire 1199 Big Tree Road St. Helena, CA 94574 707-287-3895 R. LUTZ can testify on October 8, 2017 he was on E-221 on Division Z, and responded to?where he observed fire backing down slope towards the residence. W6 Jason TAMAGNI Calistoga Fire Dept. 1113 Washington Street Calistoga, CA 94515 707-942-2846 TAMAGNI was one of the first fire resources on scene on October 8, 2017. He can testify to fire behavior in the area of Hwy 128 and - LE8O (Rev. 7/2011) 7 Officer Initials EH Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 W7 Jaime OROZCO Calistoga Fire Department 1113 Washington Street Calistoga, CA 94515 707-942-2840 OROZCO can testify he was on E-419 the night of October 8, 2017. He observed the fire on both sides of Hwy 128, from a wind driven fire from W8 Mark RHODES Electrical Engineer 3460 Zion Canyon Ct. Pleasanton, CA 94588 RHODES can testify to the electrical systems near the water pump and private pole 1. W9 Luis Alberto VARGAS-RIVERA (VARGAS) Calistoga, CA 94515 DOB On October 8, 2017, at approximately 10:05 PM. VARGAS observed a fire on the hill above 3452 Hwy 128. He can testify the fire had not yet burned onto the Wheeler Farm, where he works. W10 Dave KAROLY CAL FIRE LIDAR LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 8 Officer Initials Tubbs Incident October 81 2017 1300 U. Street Sacramento. CA 94244 916-324-1644 Assisted in documenting the scene using LIDAR. 11 Dan GREGORY CAL FIRE LIDAR 1300 U. Street Sacramento, CA 94244 916-323-1044 Assisted in documenting the scene using LIDAR. 12 Daughter of property owner, 17CALNU010045 can testify she had not been on the property since September 3, 2017 and is unaware of any problems associated with the property. She can testify Mike ANDREWS is on the property at least once per week to make sure everything is working properly and maintained. LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 9 Officer Initials it! Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNUO10045 1 is the caretaker for the hired by the- 2 family. _can testify to the maintenance and condition of the property, prior to 3 the Tubbs Fire. 4 5 W14 6 Gino DEGRAFFERIED 7 CAL FIRE Battalion Chief 8 DEGRAFFERIED was the first CAL FIRE Battalion Chief at scene and can testify to his 9 observations when he arrived on scene approximately 20 minutes after the initial 10 dispatch, including an estimation of wind conditions and size of the fire. 11 12 W15 13 Jim NOLT 14 Electrical Engineer 15 107 Blue Canyon Way 16 Folsom, CA 95630 ?1 18 NOLT can testify to his observations and analysis of the electrical systems identified 19 during the Tubbs Fire Investigation, as outlined in his report. 20 21 W16 22 Amy HUNTER 23 Officer, Napa Police Department 24 1539 1St Street 25 Napa, CA 94559 26 707-257-9223 27 HUNTER can testify to information she received regarding a subject seen on Silverado 28 Trail Road the day of the fire, miles from the GOA. 29 30 W17 31 Dale HOSKINS LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 10 Officer Initials a fi Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 Police Officer, Calistoga Police Department 1234 Washington Street Calistoga, CA 94515 707-942-2810 HOSKINS was the first public officer at scene, prior to firefighters, where he took a photograph of the fire. He can testify to his observations. W18 9 Lucinda ?Cindy" Ann YANT (L. YANT) 10 3452 Hwy 128 11 PO. Box 521 12 Calistoga, CA 94515 13 15 L. YANT can testify she was home on the night of October 8, 2017 and observed a fire 16 coming towards her residence. L. YANT provided photographs showing her 17 observations. 18 19 W19 20 Nicholaus LUTZ (N. LUTZ) 21 Deer Park Volunteer Fire Department 24 25 26 LUTZ can testify to the where the fire was when he arrived on scene assigned to 27 Engine 21, with the Deer Park Volunteer Fire Department. He can also testify to the 28 fact the fire was backing northeast along _and had not reached the - 29 _residence until late that evening and into the early morning hours of 30 October 9. 2017. 31 LE8O (Rev. 7/2011) 11 Officer Initials Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNUO10045 W20 Anne MISSEN Calistoga, CA 94515 MISSEN can testify she saw the fire burn slowly from the south to the north, near the area of?, as viewed from her residence. MISSEN describes the fire as fighting against the wind and slowly moving from left (south) to right (north) throughout the night and the next day. W21 Rob EBLING Calistoga Fire Department 1113 Washington Street Calistoga, CA 94515 707-337-2882 EBLING responded to the incident on the initial dispatch. He can testify the fire was backing northeast on the hillside above and when he arrived on scene it had backed as far as the pole 1 on W22 Mark OLACHEA 401 Burgundy South Calistoga, CA 94515 OLACHEA took photographs in the area of Tubbs and on October 9, 2017. W23 Ken MILLER, CFI Senior Fire Investigator LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 12 Officer Initials W1 Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 Fire Investigation Unit Liberty Mutual Insurance 175 Berkeley Street Boston, MA 02116 MILLER took photographs of tripped fuses on and provided photographs to the investigation team. 9 W24 10 Stephanie LONGTON 11 12 405 Parkview Drive 13 Healdsburg, CA 95448 14 15 LONGTON provided video footage from a camera on the winery property showing first 16 sign of fire on hillside at approximately 9:36 PM. on October 8, 2107. 17 18 W25 19 Whitney RAMPP 20 3350 Hwy 128 21 Calisto a, CA 94515 22 23 24 RAMPP can testify she heard a transformer blow sometime before 10:00 PM. A short 25 time later she saw a fire on the hill in the area of- 26 27 W26 28 Jan RISI (J. RISI) 29 1177 Bennett Lane LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 13 Officer Initials Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNUO10045 J. RISI was with her husband, R. RISI, when they left their residence after being told by S. THOMPSON there was a fire off J. RISI can testify to her observations when she left her residence. W27 Peggy OKELLY Calistoga, CA DOB OKELLY can testify that on October 8, 2017 she saw the fire backing towards her residence sometime after 10:00 PM. W28 Theresa JACKSON 2237 Steiner Street San Francisco, CA 94115 DosJACKSON can testify she was at 3468 Hwy 128 on October 8, 2017, and at approximately 9:55 P.M., she walked to the south side of the residence and saw the hill on fire above the pig farm at 3452 Hwy 128 (YANT residence). W29 Larry ANDERSON Calistoga, CA 94515 oo- 9 30? ANDERSON can testify he observed fire on the hillside west of_, south of 31W sometime after 10:05 PM. on night of October 8. 14 Officer Initials Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 W30 Anthony Morgan PERLISS 3460 Hwy 128 Calistoga, CA 94515 DOB PERLISS can testify that between 9:00 PM. and 10:00 P.M., on October 8. 2017, he 9 was at home and noticed the lights flicker 2 to 3 times. At approximately 10:10 PM. 10 PERLISS went outside and while in the driveway looking south, he observed a glow 11 toward the pergola, south of the residence. Shortly after, he observed fire south of a 12 pergola below his house, burning low to the ground with little to no flames. He notified 13 his girlfriend about the fire at 10:37 PM. 14 15 W31 16 Dan HICKMAN (D. HICKMAN) 17 3381 Highway 128 18 Calistoga, CA 94515 Dca:? 21 D. HICKMAN can testify he was home on the evening of October 8, 2017. While 22 outside around 9:30 P.M., he heard a pop or explosion and was aware of a light above 23 him to the north. He estimated the light occurred between 9:27 and 9:28 PM. He didn?t 24 look north to see what it was. 25 26 W32 27 Cigi RICH 28 29 Calistoga, CA 94515 30 31 DOBIW 1 ev. 15 Officer Initials i" 11 12 13 14 15 16 Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 RICH can testify she first saw a fire on October 8, 2017 at approximately 9:45 PM., across the valley from where she lived. RICH also took pictures of what she could see from the deck of her residence. W33 Jordan JEFFERIES (J. JEFFERIES) 1230 Bennett Ln. Calistoga, CA 94515 J. JEFFERIES lives with RICH, can testify he first saw a fire on October 8, 2017 at approximately 9:45 PM., across the valley from where he lives. W34 Eric JEFFERIES (E. JEFFERIES) Father of J. JEFFERIES 3800 N. Delta Hwy Eugene. OR 97408 JEFFERIES can testify the evening of October 8, 2017, when he noticed light coming through his window at 9:44 PM. He got out of bed and observed the fire. W35 Charles Milton DARRALL (C. DARRALL) 3154 Hwy 128 Calistoga, CA 94515 C. DARRALL can testify he heard a boom at approximately 10:15 PM. and saw a glow in the area of LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 16 Officer Initials it? Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 W36 Shannon DARRALL (S. DARRALL) 3154 Hwy 128 Calistoga, CA 94515 S. DARRALL can testify she heard a boom at approximately 10:15 PM. and saw a glow in the area of? W37 Charlie BROWN JR. 1200 Bennett Lane Calistoga, CA 94515 Dos? BROWN JR can testify the electrical wiring leading from the house at- - to the viewing platform on the property was not active and has not been in use for years. W38 Katie SERENI 69 Lerner Drive Calistoga, CA 94515 SERENI can testify she observed a limb catch fire on powerlines adjacent to her residence at 69 Lerner Drive prior to the Tubbs fire. The limb was extinguished and there was no fire spread. W39 Robert TRUMBALL LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 17 Officer Initials it; Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 77 Beale Street P.O. BOX 415-973-1000 San Francisco, CA 94177 TRUMBALL assisted in the removal of smart meters on W40 Daniel DAVIS 77 Beale Street PO. Box 415-973-1000 San Francisco, CA 94177 DAVIS assisted in the removal of smart meters on W41 Lee Palmer Deputy Director, Safety and Enforcement Division California Public Utilities Commission 505 Van Ness Avenue San Francisco, CA 94102 415-703-2369 PALMER was present at on October 23, 2017 and observed the collection of equipment by CAL FIRE investigators. W42 Raymond Cho Utilities Engineer, Electric Safety Reliability Branch 505 Van Ness Avenue San Francisco, CA 94102 415-703-2236 CHO was present at on October 23, 2017 and observed the collection of equipment by CAL FIRE investigators. LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 18 Officer Initials mNOm-?wNTubbs Incident October 8, 2017 W43 James FRANTZ Frantz Law Group 3558 Round Barn Blvd, Suite 215 Santa Rosa, CA 95403 707-239-6316 17CALNU010045 FRANTZ can testify to two separate accounts of alternative origin areas for the Tubbs Fire, determined by outside investigators. Attachment E, Vicinity Map, identifies the location of witnesses and their proximity to INVESTIGATORS: John MARTINEZ (MARTINEZ) CAL FIRE, Battalion Chief 6059 Hwy 9 Felton, CA 95018 831 -254-1 720 Mark FRITS CAL FIRE, Battalion Chief 604 Antelope Blvd. Red Bluff, CA 96080 530-528-5199 Mike THOMPSON (M. THOMPSON) CAL FIRE, Battalion Chief 6105 Airport Road Redding, CA 96002 LE80 (Rev. 712011) 19 Officer Initials 2 1 Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 530-226?3477 Scott LOHSE CAL FIRE, Fire Captain 604 Antelope Blvd. Red Bluff, CA 96080 530628-5199 Vince BERGLAND CAL FIRE, Battalion Chief 1234 E. Shaw Fresno, CA 93710 559-243-41 15 Greg ROATH CAL FIRE, Fire Captain 1809 Fairlane Road Yreka, CA 96097 530?842?351 6 Matt FRANKLIN CAL FIRE, Fire Captain 3800 N. Sierra Way San Bernardino, CA 92405 909-881?6922 Jeremy MONROE CAL FIRE, Deputy Chief Sacramento Headquarters State Threat Assessment Center (STAC) 916-636-2920 LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 20 1TCALNUO10045 Officer Initials :21 Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 Darren STEWART CAL FIRE, Fire Captain 875 Cypress Avenue Redding, CA 96001 530-225-2421 Kyle STEIS CAL FIRE, Fire Captain 2210 West College Avenue Santa Rosa, CA 95401 707-576?2341 Brandon BERTOLINO CAL FIRE, Fire Captain 2210 West College Avenue Santa Rosa, CA 95401 707-339-6618 LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 21 17CALNU010045 Officer Initials I 11 ?12 13 14 15 ?16 Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 5 - EVIDENCE: A series of photographs were taken and are included in the attachments section D. Original photographs are stored as evidence on various media card/thumb drive). A series of photographs were collected from witnesses and are contained as attachments (see attachment D). A series of video clips from fixed cameras and cellular phone was provided to and collected by investigators. Video clips have been placed on a thumb and stored as evidence. Physical items of evidence were collected from the scene by Investigators. Refer to evidence log for a list of items collected (see attachment F). LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 22 Officer Initials a 11 12 13 14 15 Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNUO10045 6 Weather: Weather was not recorded by on scene resources the night of October 8, due to all responding resources commitment to the ongoing and developing fire emergency. For this reason weather conditions were extracted from two CAL FIRE weather stations in the area. Below are summaries of the Atlas Peak Remote Automated Weather Station (RAWS) and the Santa Rosa RAWS for October 8, 2017. The Atlas Peak weather station is at an elevation of 1934 feet and approximately 21 miles southeast from the Tubbs Fire origin. The Santa Rosa weather station is at an elevation of 576 feet and approximately 10 miles southwest from the Tubbs Fire origin. "On October 8, 2017 at 9:00 PM. the temperature at the Atlas Peak RAWS was 62 degrees, winds were out of the north/northeast at 13 with gusts to 30 mph. On October 8, 2017 at 9:00 PM. the temperature at the Santa Rosa RAWS was 62 degrees, winds were out of the northeast at 15 with gusts to 41 mph. LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 23 Officer Initials :in Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNUO10045 Atlas Peak California Daily Summary for 8-Oct-17 Hour Total Air Fuel Fuel Relative of Dayr Solar Wind Temperature Temperature Moisture Humidity Dew Wet Total Ending at Rad. Ave. V. Dir. Max. Mean Mean Mean Mean Point Bulb Precip. I..S.T. ly. Deg Deg. F. Deg. F. Percent Percent Deg . . inches 1:2:3:4:5:6:7:8:00 AM 269:00 AM 4310:00 AM 5611:00 AM 6512:00 PM 681:00 PM 662:00 PM 583:00 PM 464:00 PM 305:00 PM 126:7:8:9:10:11:12:LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 24 Officer Initials in Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 Santa Rosa California Daily Summary for 8-Oct-17 Hour Total Air Fuel Fuel Relative Te mpera Tempera of Day Solar Wind ture ture Moisture Humidity Dew Wet Total Ending at Rad. Ave. V. Dir. Max. Mean Mean Mean Mean Point Bulb Precip. L.S.T. ly. Deg Deg. F. Deg. F. Percent Percent De F. inches 1:2:3:4:5:6:7:8:00 AM 219:00 AM 3410:00 AM 4711:00 AM 5512:00 PM 591:2:3:00 PM 304:00 PM 255:6:7:8:10:1111:12:LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 25 Officer Initials hi CD-D-OOMA Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 7 EQUIPMENT: Pacific Gas Electric and privately owned electrical equipment was collected as evidence. Refer to evidence log (see attachment F) for a list of items collected. LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 26 Officer Initials i' oowoucnwa?x Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNUO10045 8 - PROPERTY: The Tubbs Fire originated on the following property: Address: The property is an approximately 10.5-acre parcel situated in Napa County, approximately three miles north of Calistoga. be accessed from both Hwy 128 and Tubbs Lane. The entrance to the property is from a paved driveway off Bennett Lane identified by an address marker labeled ?1128.? The surrounding area is rural residential setting and homes on larger parcels surrounded by mixed oak and conifer woodlands and vineyards. The - property is largely undeveloped except for the upper slopes where the residence and associated outbuildings were located. The driveway continues up a south facing slope through oak woodlands, until it reaches a large one-half acre clearing below and east of the primary residence. Within the clearing, there are scattered conifers and oaks and little to no ground vegetation. Also within the clearing are both and privately owned utility poles. The driveway continues past the cleared area and leads to the upper elevation of the property (approximately 550-feet elevation) where the residence and associated structures sit on top of a hill. The primary residence is located at the end of the driveway. Northwest of the residence is a wine cellar with an attached bedroom. Immediately west of the wine cellar is a swimming pool with an attached open construction pool patio. West of the residence is an open carport and garage. According to accessor parcel data, the residence was built in 1946. The electrical distribution associated with the property includes service from - uphill to the residence, by service drop to a weather head on the roof. From there, exterior conduit connects to the meter. From the meter, conduit carries conductor to a LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 27 Officer Initials meth??t Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 privately-owned power pole (private pole 3). From private pole 3, conductor extends north west towards the wine cellar and pool patio. Additionally, from private pole 3, conductor extends southeast towards private pole 2, then to private pole 1 where the water tanks and pump station are located. From private pole 1, conductor extends downhill where it ties into a well next to Bennett Lane. The graphic below includes a general representation of the developed property at with a general schematic of the electrical system. LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 28 Officer Initials Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 The graphic below includes a general representation of the private electrical system at prepared by ROATH. LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 29 Officer Initials Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 9 - NARRATIVE: On the evening of Sunday, October 8, 2017, a red flag warning was in effect throughout the North Bay including Napa County. Temperatures that evening were in the 60's to lower 70's, with humidity in the 10-18% range. Wind models prepared by CAL FIRE Northern Operations predictive services later estimated ridgetop winds could have reached 55 to 90 (see attachment A). At approximately 9:41 P.M., M. HICKMAN, a resident of Calistoga, CA reported a fire occurring in the area of Hwy 128 and Tubbs Road (see attachment B). The fire was named the Tubbs Fire and eventually burned 36,807 acres in both Napa and Sonoma Counties and destroyed 5636 structures including 4651 residential structures, 94 commercial properties and 891 outbuildings. The fire damaged an additional 230 residential structures, 22 commercial structures and 65 outbuildings (see attachment C). The Tubbs Fire included 22 civilian fatalities. Monday October 9, 2017 On Monday, October 9, 2017 at approximately 1:00 A.M., CAL FIRE Battalion Chief Mark FRITS responded from Red Bluff to the Tubbs Fire to conduct an origin and cause investigation. Due to the high number of fires in Sonoma and Napa Counties, there were no local Investigators available to respond to the Tubbs Fire on the evening of October 8, 2017. FRITS arrived in the area of Bennett Lane and Hwy 128 at approximately 9:20 A.M., when he began walking and observing fire pattern indicators along RISI) who lives at The following is a summary of his conversation with R. RISI (see attachment G, FRITS): ometime after 9:20 AM, FRITS was contacted by Ron RISI (R. R. RISI was contacted by his neighbor Shawn THOMPSON (S. THOMPSON) sometime after 9:00 PM, who told him there was a fire and to get out of the house. R. RISI exited his property and turned north on_. R. RISI noticed the fire was to the south of his residence on the west side of He could not confirm how far down on_ or how close to his residence the fire was. LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 30 Officer Initials kn Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNUO10045 While on Bennett Lane north of the driveway, FRITS observed what he thought to be a Pacific Gas Electric pole next to a fence with conductor running uphill. He also observed an oak tree with a junction box with conductor running uphill. Not knowing an origin area yet and with limited witnesses, he chose to flag off an area approximately 15-feet by 15-feet surrounding the pole and fence line to maintain the scene integrity should it prove to be of significance (Photograph P-JM-MF-25). FRITS observed backing indicators showing the fire was spread downhill on the west side 0- the area of the driveway. When FRITS came to the he made his way up the driveway where he observed fire pattern indicators including angle of char on stumps of trees indicating the fire was backing against the wind towards the residence. Between the driveways FRITS observed fire patterns indicating the fire backed into the wind from the southeast of the cleared area near the driveway of 1128 Bennett Lane. FRITS observed advancing fire pattern indicators to the southwest of the driveway. While was contacted by S. THOMPSON who lives at S. THOMPSON told FRITS the following in summary (see attachment G, FRITS): S. THOMPSON was sleeping at his residence at approximately 9:45 PM, when he was woken up by his smoke alarms going off. He observed the fire burning toward the back of his house from the northeast. The property is the next adjoining property to the northeast from the S. THOMPSON property. A fire spreading towards the S. THOMPSON residence from his description would likely have come from or passed through the property. The graphic below, prepared by MARTINEZ, is a representation, based on the witness statement, showing where the witness was and what direction he was looking. LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 31 Officer Initials kl Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNUO10045 FRITS then spoke with Roger LUTZ (R. LUTZ) who works for the Deer Park Volunteer Fire Department at Station 21. R. LUTZ told FRITS the following in summary (see attachment G. FRITS): R. LUTZ arrived on scene on Engine 221 and began cooling down power poles on the west side of? towards the north. He worked to the driveway of the fire had not yet spread north to the driveway. When he accessed the residence at the fire was backing downhill from the southeast toward the rear of the residence. The fire was also backing to the northeast on the northwest side of the driveway. Once the fire became established in the draw below the residence he left the scene. R. LUTZ was provided a LE-78 witness statement which he completed on October 9, 2017 (see attachment H). Lan (Rev. 7/2011) 32 Officer Initials :m A ?3?x?x?x_x Tubbs Incident October82017 17CALNU010045 While at the intersection of_ and Hwy 128, FRITS spoke with Calistoga Fire Department Fire Captain Jason TAMAGNI, assigned to Engine 419, who told him the following (see attachment G, FRITS): TAMAGNI told FRITS when he arrived at scene on October 8, 2017. that the fire was spreading from the north of Bennett Lane to the south of Hwy 128 at a rapid rate of spread. TAMAGNI completed a LE-78 witness statement on October 9, 2017. Also present with TAMAGNI on the engine was Jaime OROZCO who also provided a LE-78 witness statement (see attachment H). FRITS continued observing fire pattern indicators on the north side of- and rear of the residence. FRITS continued observing advancing fire pattern indicators leading him to the partially fire damaged carport on the On October 9, 2017, at approximately 11:00 A.M., I was dispatched to the Sonoma Lake Napa Unit (LNU) to assist the Unit in a manner which was not yet determined when I responded. On October 9, 2017 at approximately 2:30 P.M.. I arrived in Napa County and responded to the Tubbs Fire where I contacted FRITS, who was continuing his investigation and had yet to determine a General Origin Area (GOA) for the fire. FRITS briefed me verbally on the witness statements provided by R. RISI, S. THOMPSON, R. LUTZ, and TAMAGNI, which placed the fire origin north of? southwest of_ Based on the initial witness statements, FRITS hypothesized the fire may have originated from the I walked the fire edge with him and discussed the reasons for his determination. I observed fire pattern indicators such as angle of char, curling, and white ash LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 33 Officer Initials Tubbs lncident October 8, 2017 17CALNUO10045 accumulation on the protected side (due to high winds), indicating the fire generally backed down slope, against the wind towards the west side of?, in a northeast direction. I also observed advancing fire pattern indicatorssouth of the residence, above Angle of char and needle freeze could be observed in the canopies of pine trees and on lower ground vegetation. These observations are consistent with S. THOMPSONS statement describing the fire advancing from the? Lane towards his residence at It was still very early in the investigation and FRITS and I were still becoming familiar with the overall area based on limited witness statements and had not taken any photographs or placed any colored pin flags identifying fire pattern indicators observed. After considering initial observations, early witness statements and my own observations, concurred the GOA was likely located on or adjacent to the property identified as 1128 Bennett Lane. FRITS flagged the entrance to the driveway of- FRITS and designated an approximate one-half acre dirt field adjacent to the- pump station, as a parking and meeting location. The field was void of ground vegetation and parking vehicles in it would not impact the investigation. There was no private security available to keep people off the property, so FRITS remained at overnight. Starting on October 10, 2017 and throughout the entirety of the investigation, Brothers In Arms Security maintained scene security, and were instructed to not allow anyone access, from the time the investigation team left in the evening until they returned the next morning, each day until investigators released the scene at approximately 5:00 PM on October 25, 2017. Each and every morning, it was confirmed with the security guard that no persons had entered the property between the time the investigation team left and returned. Tuesday October 10, 2017 LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 34 Officerlnitials *1 1 Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNUO10045 On Tuesday. October 10, 2017, I returned to arriving at approximately 8:00 AM. I met with FRITS and we began placing fire pattern indicator flags. Colored pin ?ags were placed at the observed fire pattern indicators, including red for advancing fire, blue for backing and yellow for lateral spread. Photographs referenced in this section were not taken until later, however, they have been used to reference our observations. FRITS and I entered the burned area on the hillside on the northside of walked parallel to the road. I observed fire pattern indicators showing fire backing downhill towards in a northeast trending direction. This was evident from cupping (see attachment D, MARTINEZ photograph: P- JM-108), ash accumulation on leeward side (see attachment D, MARTINEZ photograph: P-JM-112), leaf curling and staining on rocks (see attachment D, MARTINEZ photograph: P-JM-107). Also observed was needle freeze angled towards the southwest indicating strong winds out of the northeast. These fire pattern indicators were consistent along the bottom of the hillside as well as continuing uphill towards the We walked back and forth along the hillside while working uphill in a serpentine pattern, observing fire pattern indicators until we arrived at a developed area containing a water pump station, near where we had parked. The developed area was along the right side of the approximately two-thirds up towards the residence. Within the developed area next to the driveway I observed (2) water tanks and water pump system (pump station). One was a newer looking water tank and pump and one was as an older looking cement tank. In addition, I observed a 4-inch by 4-inch wooden post approximately 6?feet in height with (2) grey metal electrical boxes attached to it, one approximately 6-inches by 8-inches, and the other approximately 12-inches by 18-inches. Approximately 30-feet away there was a utility pole (private pole 1), which didn?t appear to be a pole due to its appearance. The conductor associated with the pole did not appear professionally installed (see attachment D. MARTINEZ photograph: P-JM-35). The pole did not appear to be related to the pole 3 observed in the cleared area to the west where our vehicles were parked. The conductor from private pole 1 continued downhill towards ?and uphill towards the ?residence. LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 35 Officer Initials Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNUO10045 The conductor which extends downhill towards - connects to a switch box on an oak tree where it appeared to provide power to an old well. This area was flagged off earlier by FRITS on October 9 prior to identifying fire burn patterns in the area. There were various of conductor and structural wiring associated with the wooden post and private pole 1, much of it under tension from a tree which had fallen in the immediate area. Fire behavior in this area appeared to be low intensity (see attachment D, MARTINEZ photograph: P-JM-42), with the exception being the wooden post and private pole 1. The lower half of the wooden post was partially burned, however the section of post near the electrical boxes was heavily charred (see attachment D, MARTINEZ photograph: P-JM-19). An oak tree had fallen on the post breaking it just below the electrical box. Closer examination of the tree indicated it had fallen after the fire, due to the absence of any fire damage to the tree, specifically undamaged foliage in contact with the ground (see attachment D, MARTINEZ photograph: P-JM-MF-64). The wooden post and electrical boxes were discussed as potential competent ignition sources, and were candidates to be reviewed by an electrical engineer. Observations by an electrical engineer will be discussed later. We walked south from the clearing where we parked, along the edge of the property where it broke in slope and noted advancing ?re pattern indicators such as angle of char and needle freeze on pine trees, below the carport and to the area immediately to the east, indicating fire progression from the north, in line with the winds the night of the fire (see attachment D, MARTINEZ photograph: P-JM-127): This is consistent with S. THOMPSONS witness statement. We then walked the area north of the in a serpentine pattern towards the property and observed fire pattern indicators on vegetation and rocks including angle of char, white ash, and staining. These indicators showed the fire both backed and laterally moved northwest behind the residence towards the wine cellar and pool area before backing toward? LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 36 Officer Initials Tubbs Incident October 8. 2017 17CALNUO10045 FRITS and I considered the general fire pattern indicators in the area, and requested an electrical engineer to review the electrical system at the water tanks and pump station. FRITS and I considered this area as a possible GOA, however the surrounding property had not yet been reviewed in detail. In orderto maintain the integrity of the scene we flagged off an area with yellow ?do not enter" flagging approximately 50-feet by 50-feet to include the pump station and private pole 1. At approximately 2:20 P.M., I photographed both the perimeter and interior of the flagged area (see attachment D, MARTINEZ photographs: P-JM-1 thru P- JM-25). I began photographing the surrounding area, including - between Hwy 128 and the (see attachment D, MARTINEZ photographs: P- JM-MF-O1 thru P-JM-MF-79). At approximately 3:30 PM. electrical engineer Marc RHODES arrived at - We were interested in having him do an initial examination of the area associated with the pump station. RHODES said he didn?t see anything that stood out to him, and thought the electrical boxes were closed tight enough where, even if there was a problem inside, it wouldn?t have been hot enough to ignite the wooden post. RHODES also inspected private pole 1 and the associated electrical conductor. RHODES observed what he thought was evidence of arcing on a conductor near the top of the pole on a section of conductor continuing downhill to Utilizing both binoculars and a camera, we agreed there appeared to be a small piece of shiny material on a section of conductor from the pole that continued downhill towards Bennett Lane. I took photographs in an attempt to observe the material from the ground (see attachment D, MARTINEZ photographs: P-JM-26 thru P-JM-35). After inspecting private pole 1, we followed the conductor extending downhill to a switchbox on a large oak tree next to - and near a roadside pole pole 1). I observed the switchbox on the oak tree to be in the ?off" position. RHODES inspected the box and confirmed it was in the off position (see attachment D, LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 37 Officer Initials Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNUO10045 MARTINEZ photograph: The inside of the box was severely damaged from fire. RHODES left the scene at approximately 6:15 PM. RHODES became unavailable and did not return to the scene or prepare a report. Wednesday, October 11, 2017 On Wednesday, October 11, 2017, I returned to the at approximately 8:00 AM. Prior to my arriving at scene, FRITS drove to Wheeler Farms at? and spoke with Luis VARGAS. The following is a summary of the conversation: VARGAS lives on the Wheeler Farms property at On the evening of October 8, 2017 at an unknown time, VARGAS went outside his house and noticed fire to the south of Bennett Lane. The fire had not yet burned onto the Wheeler Farm. The wind was erratic and very gusty. VARGAS said the fire burned to the north on the east side of the property and then wrapped around the property to the west. After meeting with VARGAS, FRITS returned to telephoned M. HICKMAN who told FRITS the following in summary (see attachment G, FRITS): On the evening of October 8, 2017, M. HICKMAN was at her residence at 3381 Hwy 128 when her daughter told her she saw a bright light and then an orange glow through the window. M. HICKMAN looked out her bathroom window and she could see the fire through the trees to the north of her residence. At approximately 1:30 PM, FRITS was released from the Tubbs Fire due to a previously planned commitment. was assigned the role of lead investigator for the Tubbs Fire. CAL FIRE Battalion Chief Mike THOMPSON (M. THOMPSON) arrived at scene and assisted me with continuing the origin and cause investigation. I briefed M. LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 38 Officer Initials 19f oowcnanooNTubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 THOMPSON on the progress to date. We walked downhill in a serpentine pattern between the pump station and observing ?re pattern indicators. M. THOMPSON inspected the switchbox on the oak tree and determined it was no longer in service, and may have been related to an older system. After walking the powerlines on the property, we determined the power supply for the newer pump station came directly from the residence. The pump switch adjacent to the water tanks was in the ?on" position. Mike ANDREWS, the maintenance person for the property, later confirmed the pump was always turned ?on" and was operational. At approximately 2:40 PM. I took photographs of private pole 1 and the surrounding area (see attachment D, MARTINEZ photographs: P-JM-36 thru P-JM-46). We then continued identifying fire pattern indicators such as staining (see attachment D, MARTINEZ photographs: P-JM-68 and P-JM-69) and protection (see attachment D, MARTINEZ photographs: P-JM-70) within the flagged water tank/pump station area, immediately north of the electrical boxes. We continued identifying fire pattern indicators working our way from the edge of the flagged area in towards private pole 1 and the electrical boxes. Backing indicators such as cupping were observed adjacent to the cement water tank (see attachment D, MARTINEZ photograph: P-JM-73). Advancing indicators such as staining was observed south of the electrical boxes (see attachment D, MARTINEZ photographs: P-JM-74 and P-JM-75). We noted the top of private pole 1 had more ?re damage than the lower portion (see attachment D, MARTINEZ photographs: P-JM-35 thru P-JM-40). The high level of damage to private pole 1 appeared out of place considering the low intensity burn to ground fuels in the immediate area. Fire pattern indicators were limited in the area, due to the approximate one-half acre cleared area northwest of the pump station (see attachment D, MARTINEZ photographs: P-JM-MF-43 thru P-JM-MF 44). Lack of fire pattern indicators in the immediate area made it difficult to determine with complete certainty whether this was the GOA. However, considering RHODES opinion of having observed possible arcing LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 39 Officer Initials Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNUO10045 on conductor associated with private pole 1, I had to include this area as a potential GOA. Based on this, we discussed the need to have a second electrical engineer re- examine both the electrical boxes and the conductor associated with private pole 1. I requested through CAL FIRE Assistant Chief Shawn ZIMMERMAKER, a truck with a boom so I could closely observe the conductor on private pole 1. I was advised a boom truck would be available the next day. Thursday, October 12, 2017 On Thursday, October 12, 2017, I returned to at approximately 8:00 AM. and continued working in the flagged area at the pump station. I photographed the areas immediately surrounding the electrical boxes and private pole 1 (see attachment D, MARTINEZ photographs P- JM-47 thru P-JM-79). CAL FIRE Fire Captain Scott LOHSE arrived at the incident at 9:15 AM. to assist with the investigation. He was briefed on the investigation and then walked the property to become familiar with it and to make independent observations. At approximately 10:30 AM. a Britton Tree Services, Inc truck with boom and crew arrived on scene. Their truck was equipped with a bucket extension allowing me to observe private pole 1. When they arrived on scene I briefed them on their assignment. I assigned them to assist in the removal of the tree which had fallen on the electrical boxes in the pump station area. Using the tree service boom and bucket, I was lifted to private pole 1 and was able to examine and photograph from a closer vantage point, (see attachment D, MARTINEZ photographs P-JM-80 thru P-JM-88). I did not observe any obvious evidence of arcing on any of the wiring associated with the pole. The ?shiny" material identified earlier by RHODES as possible evidence of arcing, appeared to be melted and discolored yellow jacketed conductor, having the appearance of being shiny. It would later be collected as evidence (evidence items E-35, E-36, and E-37). LE80 (Rev. 7/201 1) 40 Officer Initials Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 At approximately 1:00 PM. I photographed and took waypoints of colored fire pattern indicator pin flags placed by myself and FRITS (see attachment D, MARTINEZ photographs P-JM-91 thru P-JM-114, referenced earlier in report). At approximately 5:00 P.M., I carefully searched the area immediately below the electrical box and post. As I searched the approximate 2-foot area surrounding the 4- inch by 4-inch post using a magnet, I located a small piece of golden colored metal. It did not appear to be melted. The metal piece, or wire fragment was found approximately 8 inches from the post, to the north. I photographed and collected the item as evidence (Evidence item Later, to be consistent with our overall evidence collection standards, it was renamed Evidence Item 38 (see attachment D, MARTINEZ photographs P-JM-116 and P-JM-117). Friday, October 13, 2017 On Friday October 13, 2017, I returned to at approximately 7:45 AM. and met with LOHSE. tasked LOHSE with contacting and interviewing potential witnesses to the incident. At approximately 9:15 AM. I met with the CAL FIRE Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) team Survey Party Chief David KAROLY. I briefed KAROLY and his team on their assignment. I asked them to document our current scene, to include the flagged area, the associated and private utility poles and the southern aspect of the residence on the property. asked them to capture as much of the north facing hill-side between the pump station and which would include the electrical system from the residence t- At 10:06 AM, LOHSE contacted YANT by phone. YANT provided photographs via text message of when she received a report of the fire (see attachment D, LOHSE Photographs P-SL-332 thru P-SL-334). At 10:23 AM, LOHSE interviewed via cellular phone. - LE80 (Rev. MON) 41 Officer Initials j?flj! O) Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 told LOHSE the following in summary (see attachment G, LOHSE): I to LOHSE (see attachment D, LOHSE photographs: P-SL-319 thru P-SL-331). number of trees which had fallen after the fire had passed (see attachment G, LOHSE). This was consistent with observations made at scene by investigators noting numerous fallen trees with no burn damage to the tree surface in contact with the ground While the LIDAR team did their work, LOHSE and I drove to the Lucinda YANT residence at 3452 Hwy 128. LOHSE had received digital photographs taken by YANT on October 8, 2017, taken at 9:51 PM. (see attachment D, LOHSE photographs: P-SL- 332 through 334), showing the fire advancing from the northeast towards her residence. LOHSE and I compared the photographs taken at night with daytime conditions and confirmed the photograph was taken from her porch and fire appeared to be advancing from the northeast towards her residence (see attachment D, Witness photographs: Photo Comparison 2 and 3). We observed fire pattern indicators such as needle freeze and angle of char showing fire advancing from the slope below the 1128 Bennett Lane property towards the YANT residence (see attachment D, MARTINEZ photographs: P- LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 42 Officer Initials . Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 JM thru P-JM-127). ZIMMERMAKER arrived at scene at approximately 1:00 PM. to check on our needs and the progress of the investigation. I requested an electrical engineer to re-examine the pump station and private pole 1 as a potential ignition source. ZIMMERMAKER advised me about Napa Police Department Officer Amy HUNTER, who may have had information on a suspicious person reported to be in the area the day of the fire. I would contact her the following day. LIDAR completed their scanning at approximately 6:00 PM. and we all left the scene. At 10:30 PM. LOHSE interviewed CAL FIRE Battalion Chief Gino DEGRAFFERIED via cellular phone. DEGRAFFERIED was the CAL FIRE Battalion Chief on scene of the Tubbs Fire. He estimated he arrived at Bennett Lane and Hwy 128 approximately 20 minutes after the initial dispatch (approximately 10:00 P.M.). DEGRAFFERIED estimated the winds to be approximately 40 miles per hour with gusts at approximately 50 miles per hour. He estimated the fire was approximately 100?feet wide upon his arrival and was backing to the north. He was positive it started east of Hwy 128 because it could not have backed against the wind to the west and across Hwy 128. He provided a google image with a drawing showing his estimation of the fire size when he arrived (see attachment D, LOHSE photographs: P-SL-343). Saturday, October 14, 2017 On Saturday, October 14, 2017, I returned to 1128 Bennett Lane at approximately 7:45 AM. I was advised by ZIMMERMAKER that electrical engineer Jim NOLT and a truck with a boom would be arriving at 1128 Bennett Lane later in the morning to re-examine the electrical boxes near the pump station and the conductor associated with private pole 1. LOHSE met with Calistoga Fire Department Fire Captain Jason TAMAGNI at 10:00 LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 43 Officer Initials Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNUO10045 A.M. TAMAGNI told LOHSE the following in summary (see attachment G, LOHSE): TAMAGNI and Engineer Jaime OROZCO were the first fire agency personnel to arrive on scene on Engine 419, after the arrival of Calistoga Police Department Officer HOSKINS. HOSKINS arrived at approximately 9:48 PM. HOSKINS told TAMAGNI the fire was approximately 3 acres in size with a rapid rate of spread. From Hwy 128 and the fire did not appear to be on the east side The fire was moving rapidly to the southwest. LOHSE explained to TAMAGNI what DEGRAFFERIED had told him about the fire being 100-feet wide. TAMAGNI commented on statement, stating the ?re was further up the hill at Hwy 128 and appeared to be coming down and sideways along the hill from the northeast to the southwest. The structure at by fire when he arrived. The northeast side of the fire had not yet reached the driveway to The northeast side of the fire was burning slowly against the wind, perpendicular to A boom truck arrived at approximately 10:30 AM. and was put on standby. NOLT arrived at approximately 11:30 AM. I briefed NOLT on the investigation and accompanied him while he inspected the site. NOLT conducted an assessment of the electrical system on the property, including the residence and all utility poles on the property. NOLT's initial impression of the residential structure and associated electrical components was there was little he could comment on due to the high degree of damage from the fire. NOLT noted the presence of melted aluminum and copper suggesting temperatures in excess of 1900 degrees Fahrenheit. NOLT did not observe any obvious problems with any of the public utility lines which were not consumed by the fire. There were signs of melted conductor observed near the backside of the primary residence, however, there was no evidence of arcing observed. NOLT inspected the electrical boxes at pump station and private pole 1. NOLT inspected both the interior and exterior of the electrical box and did not observe any evidence of electrical failure. Upon seeing the interior of the electrical box, he stated it LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 44 Officer Initials 00'Nl0301-h-00N4 Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 was ?baked", explaining the interior damage to the box appeared to be the result of external heat from the vegetation fire. Additionally, he did not observe signs of arcing on the conductors associated with private pole 1. NOLT left the scene at approximately 1:00 PM. In a report provided by NOLT, he describes the electrical hardware in this area, including the electrical boxes and associated conductor, as showing secondary damage from fire and/or heat, but not from electrical activity such as arcing (see attachment Q). After speaking with NOLT, and determining there was no evidence supporting an electrical ignition source at the pump station or private pole 1, I continued with expanding the scope of the investigation to include the entire property. Additional investigators were requested to assist with the origin and cause investigation. ZIMMERMAKER advised additional investigators would respond to assist as they became available. At 2:10 PM, I spoke with HUNTER with the Napa Police Department. She had information about an individual named Tyler FUNES, who was picked up hitchhiking the day of the fire. He was picked up near Silverado Trail and Middletown Road around 7:00 PM. According to HUNTER, he is known to start campfires. He told the persons who picked him up he had been hiking at Mt. Saint Helena State Park during the day. The location and time FUNES was picked up is inconsistent with the start time of the fire. There were no indicators of a camp fire in the GOA, therefore FUNES was eliminated as a person of interest in the TUBBS Fire. At 5:45 P.M., contacted Dale with the Calistoga Police Department, who was the initial first responder to arrive at the scene of the fire. told me the following in summary: was dispatched to a report of a fire on Lerner Drive in Calistoga, and arrived at Lerner Drive to find the fire extinguished. Already in the area, he heard the dispatch for a report of a fire on Hwy 128 cross of Tubbs Lane. Lerner Drive is approximately 2.5 LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 45 Officer Initials Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 miles from responded to the area and could see a large glow. He updated the location of the fire to Hwy 128 and Bennett Lane, arriving there at 9:48 PM. Upon arrival, HOSKINS immediately took a photograph using his cellular phone from Hwy 128 and looking towards the hillside below the 1110 Bennett Lane residence (see attachment D, HOSKINS photograph, and photograph: P- JM-cellular?04 and, Comparison Photo 1). The image shows fire on both sides of Hwy 128 as well as fire appearing to be backing in a line towards the northeast below the residence. The fire had not crossed to the south side of Bennett Lane, nor had it backed to the driveway to HOSKINS stated he would provide a Calistoga Police Department report of his actions the night of October 8, 2017 (see attachment I). Sunday, October 15, 2017 On Sunday, October 15, 2017, I returned to at 7:30 AM. CAL FIRE Battalion Chief Vince BERGLAND, CAL FIRE Fire Captain Matt FRANKLIN and M. THOMPSON arrived at at approximately 8:00 AM. to assist with the investigation. BERGLAND and FRANKLIN were briefed on the investigation and then together we walked the property to familiarize them with area. At approximately 9:00 AM, I spoke with Roger LUTZ (R. LUTZ) who works for Deer Park Volunteer Fire Department via cellular phone. On October 18, 2017, I met with R. LUTZ at Bennett Lane and Hwy 128. R. LUTZ told me the following in summary (see attachment G, MARTINEZ): R. LUTZ was assigned to E221 on the night of October 8, 2017. R. LUTZ estimated he arrived at scene of the Tubbs Fire on October 8, 2017 between 10:00 and 10:05 PM. He was advised by the Incident Commander (IC), Greg BERTELLI, to perform structure protection at? LUTZ drove from Hwy 128 northeast on towards fire was backing south above Bennett Lane towards 1200 Bennett Lane, and was approximately halfway between I Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 Lane properties. R. LUTZ walked up the driveway of - observed a ?straight line" of fire above and around the geographic ?bowl" surrounding the residence, which was unburned. R. LUTZ described the fire as being above (south) the structure and slowly backing towards it. At 10:40 A.M., LOHSE and I drove to Healdsburg, CA to take a helicopter ?ight to observe the scene from above. We arrived at Healdsburg Municipal Airport and met with pilot Ryan COREY, who ?ew us through the Tubbs Fire to the vicinity of Hwy 128 and the air, I observed what appeared to be a large pattern indicator in the vegetation downhill and south of the _see photographs P-JM-cellular-13thru 16). LOHSE took photographs during the flight (see attachment D, LOHSE photographs P-SL-051 thru P-SL-294). We completed the flight at approximately 1:00 PM. At approximately 12:00 P.M., while on BERGLAND contacted James Harrison YANT (J. YANT) who lives at 3452 Hwy 128. BERGLAND followed J. YANT to his residence and spoke with him about the night of the fire. The following is a summary of the conversation (See attachment G, BERGLAND): J. YANT was in Sacramento when the fire started. His wife, Lucinda YANT (L. YANT), was home alone on October 8, 2017. Their son, James Carson YANT (JC. YANT) who lives on Mt. St. Helena, heard on a scanner of a fire located at Tubbs Rd and Hwy 128. JC. YANT sent a text to L. YANT, notifying her of the fire. L. YANT got out of bed and walked out the back porch, facing northeast, and noticed fire burning in a south direction. She took three photographs with her cellular phone at approximately 9:51 PM. (see photographs P-JM-cellular-01 thru P-JM-cellular-OB), which she provided to investigators. When she returned into the house she saw through a large window, fire on the other side of the gravel road to the southwest also burning in a south direction. LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 47 Officer Initials 5 _x_x_x_x_x_x Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNUO10045 an maxim? My? North of the YANT residence, BERGLAND observed a power pole and transformer with damage. He secured the area with barrier tape and stood by. The pole was immediately behind the residence of 3468 Hwy 128. BERGLAND then accompanied M. THOMPSON to meet with witness Cigi RICH who lives who had taken photographs of the Tubbs Fire at approximately 9:46 PM. from her deck (see attachment D, RICH photographs P-CG-001 002). The photographs ruled out the power pole BERGLAND had observed at 3468 Hwy 128, as an ignition source due to no fire observed near the area of the power pole. Monday, October 16, 2017 On Monday, October 16, 2017, I returned to at 8:00 AM. LOHSE, FRANKLIN, and BERGLAND began observing and placing fire pattern indicator colored pin flags on the slopes below the and facilities. I walked between the LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 48 Officer Initials Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNUO10045 Investigators and assisted. M. THOMPSON arrived a short time later and assisted the investigation team. Colored pin flags were placed at the observed fire pattern indicators, including red for advancing fire, blue for backing and yellow for lateral spread. I walked between the and the hillside, in a serpentine pattern above the residence between LOHSE and BERGLAND. While walking the area I observed fire pattern indicators such as angle of char, wind driven foliage freeze (see attachment D, ROATH, photographs: thru IMG- 0101), staining (see attachment D, ROATH, photographs: IMG-0053 thru IMO-0060) and white ash deposits. These macro scale indicators showed fire progressing southwest and downhill towards YANT and THOMPSON properties. Observations made on October 13, 2017 showed an advancing fire vector progressing southwest from the developed area of Fire pattern indicators including needle freeze and angle of char were observed (see attachment D, MARTINEZ photographs: P-JM-122 JM thru P-JM-127). Based on fire pattern indicators, it shows the that once the fire advanced to the top of the bowl above the YANT residence, it backed northerly towards the PERLISS and OKELLY residence, and spread laterally northwesterly towards the JACKSON property and Hwy 128. I walked in a serpentine pattern between the THOMPSON property east to- - property on the lower slopes above I observed fire patterns indicators such as cupping (see attachment D, ROATH, photograph: IMO-0061 thru IMO-0063) and staining on rocks (see attachment D, ROATH, photographs: IMG- 0064 thru IMG-0069), curling and angle of char (see attachment D, ROATH, photographs: IMO-0046 thru IMO-0048), indicating the fire progressed laterally to the southeast until it came into alignment with the wind where the fire began backing towards the northeast into the wind. A photograph taken by HOSKINS at Hwy 128 and illustrates this fire progression, showing the fire transition from a lateral vector to a backing (see attachment D, LOHSE, photograph: P-SL-295) Backing indicators continue to be observed on the west slopes above - consistent LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 49 Officer Initials jk? CDNOUI-D-OONA Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 with observations made by myself and FRITS on October 9 and 10, 2017. I returned to the top of the hill at then walked in a serpentine pattern, the area between the developed structures at and the PERLISS and OKELLY properties. As noted earlier, when the fire reached the top of the bowl above the YANT residence, it backed northerly towards the PERLISS and OKELLY residence at?. Fire pattern indicators such as staining, cupping and ash deposits on the leeward side were observed on the hillside leading towards the PERLISS and OKELLY residences (see attachment D, MARTINEZ photographs: P-JM-MF-55 and JM-MF-56 and ROATH photographs: thru I believe once the fire reached the northeast side of it came into alignment with the wind, and spread to the southwest, making some advancing runs on the hillside southwest of (see attachment D, LOHSE photograph: P-SL-21 thru P-SL-24). Fire pattern indicators such as staining (see attachment D, ROATH, photographs: IMG-0091 and IMG-0092) and cupping were observed immediately to the north of the residence. There were both lateral and backing fire vectors in alignment with the residence. I believe this indicates the fire backed behind (north) the and towards the pool house structure, where a backing vector continued downhill towards the residence as described above. I walked counter clockwise, from the slopes below the pool house area on the developed area until I came back to the northside of the residence. As I walked I examined the investigation team findings, and determined the GOA was likely to include the primary residence at? and the area adjacent to it. At approximately 2:00 P.M., ANDREWS was asked to come to the property and was interviewed again by LOHSE. ANDREWS walked with myself and LOHSE through the property and based on his descriptions, LOHSE prepared sketches of the structures on the property (see attachment E). The following is a summary of the interview (see attachment G, LOHSE): LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 50 Officer Initials Ml oouovcnme?x Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 During the interview, ANDREWS was asked about a large hole near the northeast corner of the primary residence. ANDREWS stated it was the location of a telephone pole, present before the fire (referred to as private pole 3 in this report). When asked about its condition, ANDREWS stated it was ?just about to be replaced because it had been wood-peckered so damn bad, but it was here and it was holding". The pole was supposed to be replaced in the spring. not know when the pole was installed, and said it was there when the property was purchased in 1973. When asked why it was being replaced he said, ?well, because we were afraid of it falling over?. ANDREWS stated everything on the property was electrically powered, and there was no gas on the property. Every electrical box on the house was in use and the power was always on. Trees on the property were pruned approximately two and a half year ago. When asked if there were any problems with trees knocking down electrical lines, ANDREWS said they?ve never taken out lines but did make them sag. I obtained a digital record showing CAL FIRE performed a defensible space inspection approximately on July 25, 2015, which identified (2) violations including; A. Remove all branches within 10 feet of any stovepipe or chimney outlet, and H., Live flammable ground cover less than 18 inches in height may remain, but overhanging and adjacent trees must be pruned to a height of 6 to 15 feet. A planned re-inspection date of September 10, 2015 was identified in the digital record, however it is unclear if it occurred and if so, the results were not included (see attachment K). I requested additional defensible space inspection records from LNU CAL FIRE Battalion Chief Joe BALDWIN and CAL FIRE Deputy Chief Steven HAWKS. No additional records were found. ANDREWS provided a series of photographs of the property from 2013, 2016 and the morning of October 9, 2017 prior to arrival of FRITS (see attachment D, LOHSE photographs thru P-SL-331). FRANKLIN interviewed Nicholaus LUTZ (N. LUTZ), with Deer Park Volunteer Fire Department. The following is a summary of the interview (see attachment G, LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 51 Officer Initials EH omNOUT-kww? Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 FRANKLIN): N. LUTZ responded to the Tubbs Fire on Engine 21 at approximately 11:15 PM., arriving at Bennett Lane and Hwy 128 at approximately 11:30 PM. The fire was backing to the north along Bennett Lane. The fire had not yet reached Lane. At 12:00 AM. fire was surrounding the house at? and began ?sweeping" to the north toward the driveway. Tuesday, October 17, 2017 On Tuesday October 17, 2017 at approximately 8:00 AM. I arrived with LOHSE, FRANKLIN, ROATH and BERGLAND. Investigators continued making burn pattern indicator observations and placing colored pin ?ags. I walked clockwise and counter clockwise around the residence to confirm fire pattern indicators. I examined the advancing fire vector southeast of the residence and observed fire pattern indicators including angle of char and staining. These observations indicated an initial advancing run in line with the primary residence at? (see attachment D, ROATH, photographs: thru I continued walking clockwise around the residence. confirmed the advancing vector transition to a lateral vector on the west side of the residence. As I continued towards the north and east side of the residence, I observed fire pattern indicators such as cupping, staining and angle of char (see attachment D, ROATH, photographs: thru These fire patterns indicate fire backing to the northwest, towards In the context of fire behavior, transitions lines, and witness statements, determined the GOA to include the general area of the primary structure at 1128 Bennett Lane and the immediate area surrounding it, including the area to the northeast, between pole 3 and the residence (see attachment E, Fire Vector Map). The GOA was approximately 200-feet east to west by 100-feet north to south (see attachment E, General Origin Area Specific Origin Area Map). The GOA is described as a mostly grassy, with some associated brush, sloping LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 52 Officer Initials Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNUO10045 uphill as it approaches the southern corner of the residence. Within the GOA, I observed the remains of what appeared to be a service drop for the residence coming from pole 3, and a section of what appeared to be privately owned conductor also associated with the residence. The privately-owned conductor extended downhill to private pole 1 and westerly towards the pool area. The severed ends of conductor were found on opposing sides of where private pole 3 was before consumed by fire, as described b_ Also observed were numerous puddles of melted metal, including what appeared to include both aluminum and copper. This was later confirmed by NOLT who commented the temperatures from the fire were high enough to melt both aluminum and copper (see attachment Q, photograph: 14). Working inward from the GOA, BERGLAND placed ?re pattern indicator flags on the north and east sides of the 1128 Bennett Lane residence (see attachment D, MARTINEZ photographs: P-JM-149 thru P-JM-152). BERGLAND observed both micro and macro fire pattern indicators including, but not limited to charring on small woody materials, rock sooting and staining, and protection (see attachment D, MARTINEZ photograph: P-JM-229). BERGLAND observed advancing fire southwest toward the structure, lateral spread to the east and southeast as well as northwest. Backing fire was observed to the northeast. As BERGLAND worked inward, he began observing what appeared to be numerous small pieces of conductor scattered in an area approximately 20-feet by 30-feet (see attachment D, MARTINEZ photographs: P-JM- 198 thru P-JM-ZOO). This area was considered a possible Specific Origin Area (SOA) because of the presence of downed conductor and fire pattern indicators showing ?re advancing towards the primary structure. Outside of identifying items of interest such as the observed pieces of conductor, care was taken to avoid disturbing the possible SOA so it could be gridded out at a later time. Items of interest were identified with white and hi-vis green pin ?ags. I observed a high degree of damage to both the and privately owned conductors, specifically on sections which would have been suspended over and immediately adjacent to the residence and private pole 3 (see attachment D, MARTINEZ LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 53 Officer Initials if! Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNUO10045 photographs: P-JM-201, 202, 348, and 360, evidence items E-2 and E-32, and report authored by BELLINO). The condition of the conductor as found in the possible SOA exhibited (2) extreme conditions including severely damaged by fire, and relatively undamaged. The section of conductor relatively undamaged by fire, but within the burn area, seemed reasonable considering the light ground fuels (see attachment D, MARTINEZ photograph: P-JM-195). The heavily damaged conductor, lying within the same fuel type seemed out of place because of the light ground fuels. I considered the possibility the insulation covered conductor was ignited while suspended, later melted and fell to the area between the residence and pole 3 (see attachment D, ROATH, photographs: thru This would result in the light fuels becoming ignited with the successive fire progression occurring as observed. This scenario provides taking into consideration the origin being associated with the structure itself or immediately adjacent to it, causing the structure to become ignited causing subsequent heat and fire damage to the conductor while it was still suspended. I identified the grassy area containing the damaged conductor and the structure as the SOA (see attachment E, General Origin Area Specific Origin Area Map). Investigators and I searched through debris in the northeast corner of the burned structure to find remnants of the weather head and conductor (see attachment D, MARTINEZ photographs: P-JM-158 thru P-JM-172). The weather head and associated conductor was found and later collected (see attachment D, MARTINEZ photographs: P-JM-306 and 342, and attachment Q, photograph: 14). Also, observed in the debris was a section of wood with a rounded edge appearing to be the remnant of a power pole. This item was later collected as evidence (see attachment D, MARTINEZ photographs: P-JM-307, evidence item E-11). At approximately 9:30 AM. LOHSE met with Anne MISSEN at her residence located at The following is a summary of their conversation (see attachment G, LOHSE): MISSEN was home the night of October 8, 2017. Looking west of from her property, LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 54 Officer Initials Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNUO10045 she could see the hill side in front of ?home of RISI). At approximately 10:00 PM. MISSEN observed a red glow. She then observed a fire slowly progress from left (south) to right (north) throughout the night and the next day. The fire was fighting against the wind to move towards her residence. At 10:00 AM, ROATH met with witness Mark OLACHEA. who lives at 401 Burgundy South, in Calistoga, CA. On Sunday, October 8, 2017, OLACHEA was at home and observed the glow of the ?re at approximately 10:00 P.M., He exited his residence and parked his vehicle at a dirt turnout on near Tubbs Lane. At approximately 1:00 AM, OLOCHEA took photographs which he provided to ROATH. ROATH provided OLOCHEA a LE 78 witness statement which he completed (see attachment G, ROATH, and attachment H). At approximately 12:30 P.M., I took photographs of the GOA and SOA, and the exterior and interior of the northeast corner of 1128 Bennett Lane property (see attachment D, MARTINEZ photographs (P- JM-140 thru P-JM-172). At 2:55 PM. I was forwarded an email prepared by Fire Investigator Ken MILLER (see attachment J, MILLER). The email was originally provided to NOLT and described dropped circuit breakers observed by MILLER on the morning of the October 10, 2017 (see attachment D, Witness MILLER photographs: thru Using the photographs, I was able to determine the pole and the circuit breakers were no longer in the open position and appeared to have been reset (see attachment D, MARTINEZ photograph: P-JM-359). This pole is identified in this investigation as pole 2, and referenced as the pole with ?fuse 773". At approximately 4:00 P.M., LOHSE met with Calistoga Fire Department Engineer Rob EBLING. The following is a summary of their conversation (see attachment G, LOHSE). EBLING was on duty and assigned on Engine 19 the night of October 8, 2017. EBLING responded to the initial dispatch arriving just behind Engine 419. EBLING drove do LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 55 Officer Initials Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 protect structures. The fire was just northeast of the address to 1128 fire was backing into the wind to the northeast. EBLING estimated the furthest east the fire had moved was between the first and second power pole east of the driveway to _he first and second power poles east of the driveway to poles 1 and 2). The fire was at an angle indicating the fire was further northeast up the hill than it was along He did not see any fire northeast of the area he had stopped. Wednesday, October 18, 2017 On Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at approximately 8:00 AM., I arrived at - LOHSE, FRANKLIN, ROATH, and BERGLAND. ROATH and I were checking the surrounding area looking for additional witnesses. At approximately 8:15 AM. I entered the located at 3340 Hwy 128. While on the property, I observed a security camera facing generally towards ROATH contacted workers at the facility and was told he should contact Stephanie LONGTON, who was currently off site. ROATH returned to the winery at approximately 9:00 AM. and contacted LONGTON who had access to the video footage. ROATH asked to review video footage from the camera between 9:30 PM. and 10:00 PM. ROATH observed fire in the upper right hand corner of the video footage at approximately 9:36 PM. ROATH obtained a copy of the video footage which was collected as evidence. At 8:27 AM., LOHSE interviewed Shawn and Linda THOMPSON (S. THOMPSON and L. THOMPSON) via cellular phone. The following is a summary of the interview (see attachment G, LOHSE): S. THOMPSON lives at CA. s. THOMPSON and L. THOMPSON were having dinner with Jan RISI (J. RlSl) and R. at- - night of October 8, 2017. They both left and drove home, south on Bennett Lane at approximately 9:00 PM. S. THOMPSON was awoken sometime after 9:00 PM. by his wife, telling him the smoke detectors were going off. AS he got out of bed, he LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 56 Officer Initials kl Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 saw flames in the backyard coming down the hill at them. He thought fire was close enough to spray it with a garden hose. S. THOMPSON was looking uphill, the wind blowing into his face, and there were embers flying in the wind. The fire was just north of his residence along a fence line containing metal posts and mesh fence. According to L. THOMPSON, the house never lost power while they were there. 8. THOMPSON used the electric garage door opener to get their car. L. THOMPSON called 911 at 9:52 PM. S. THOMPSON noticed fire coming down from where the residence was. He did not see much fire east of his house, but the fire moved backwards that way, and then much later burned the area east of the -d riveway. At approximately 9:15 AM. I drove into the driveway of 3350 Hwy 128 and met with resident Whitney RAMPP. RAMPP told me the following in summary (see attachment G, MARTINEZ): On the evening of Sunday, October 8, 2017, RAMPP was at home. Sometime before 10:00 PM. she heard what she thought was a transformer blow. Three to four minutes later she heard a fire engine go by and stop somewhere up by Bennett Lane. RAMPP showed me where the ?re was and pointed to the hill I knew to be associated with the 1128 Bennett Lane property. At 11:43 AM, LOHSE and I spoke face to face with R. RISI and J. RISI at their residence at in Calistoga, CA. The following is a summary of their conversation (see attachment G, LOHSE): The left their residence at approximately 8:45 PM. The power went out a little after 9:00 PM. R. RISI went to bed a short time later and at an unknown time, received a phone call from S. THOMPSON (the time stamp from the S. THOMPSON phone was 9:45 PM). S. THOMPSON told R. RISI there a was fire on the hillside and to get out. He stepped out of his door and saw a glow to the southwest. There was no fire directly in front of him facing west or to the north and northeast of his location. The LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 57 Officer Initials Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 glow looked like it was coming from the property and somewhere in between the and his neighboring property to the south or southwest. R. RISI returned to his property at 12:00 AM. and observed fire starting to go up the driveway of He estimated the winds at the property prior to the fire to be approximately 70 to 80 miles per hour. At 12:45 PM, I spoke with Peggy OKELLY over the phone and she provided a timeline of the evening of the fire. On October 19, 2017, she emailed me a timeline of the events the night of the fire (see attachment J, OKELLY). The following is a summary of the conversation with her timeline incorporated: OKELLY was home at? on the evening of October 8, 2017. At approximately 9:28 PM, the power went off. Sometime after 9:43 PM. she looked out her window and saw fire coming towards her house. She said it was backing down from ?above." I asked where ?above? was and she said it was from where her power comes from. I confirmed with her she was referring to the Property. The fire had not wrapped around the west or east side of her residence when she left at approximately 10:15 PM. LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 58 Officer Initials h! 11 12 13 14 15 Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNUO10045 At 2:24 PM. BERGLAND spoke with Theresa JACKSON who was staying at 3468 Hwy 128, in Calistoga, CA. JACKSON told BERGLAND the following in summary (see attachment G, BERGLAND): JACKSON explained the winds were really out of control, knocking over table umbrellas and shaking the tiles on the roof. The lights flickered approximately five to ten times between 9:00 PM. and 9:55 PM. At 9:55 PM, she received a phone call from her husband, notifying her there was a fire behind the hill of the house she was in. JACKSON went outside, looked west and didn't see anything. Then, she walked to the south side of the residence and saw the hill on fire above the pig farm at 3452 Hwy 128 (YANT residence). JACKSON told BERGLAND, ?the fire was spotty and there were long lines of fire between the pig farm and the top of the hill." There was fire on the pig farm side (east side) of the access driveway but no fire on the uphill side (west side). LE8O (Rev. 7/2011) 59 Officer Initials Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 JACKSON provided photos, taken at 10:06 PM. from the easement road (see attachment D, JACKSON, photographs: P-TJ-001 and P-TJ-002) that connects to Bennett Lane. JACKSON did not lose power priorto leaving. She did not see fire in the area of the PERLISS house located at 3460 Hwy 128 while exiting. At approximately 5:00 PM. BERGLAND and ROATH returned to Bennett Lane Winery and began to identify the video camera line of sight. BERGLAND and ROATH estimated where the right extent of the video footage extended to on the ground. The approximate right extent (northernmost) of the camera appeared to be in line with 1133 Bennett Lane. Thursday, October 19, 2017 On Thursday, October 19, 2017, I returned to_ at approximately 10:00 A.M. with LOHSE, BERGLAND, ROATH, and FRANKLIN. At approximately 10:30 A.M., BERGLAND and ROATH returned to and continued with identifying line of sight for the fixed camera found on Property. ROATH and BERGLAND used orange traffic cones to delineate where the northern extent of the screen would be (see Attachment D, BERGLAND photographs: P-VB-001 thru 003). After their assessment, they determined the camera angle did not cover the residence, but covered the lower hillside to the south. At approximately 11:00 A.M., NOLT returned to to continue his assessment of the scene. He also utilized the availability of a boom truck to observe the equipment on pole 3, private pole 1 and pole 2. NOLT advised me he didn't identify any obvious problems with any equipment. NOLT commented it would nearly be impossible to identify evidence of an electrical caused fire in the structure due to the fire damage and evidence of high heat from the fire. At approximately 12:00 P.M., photographed the interior of the residence at - see attachment D, MARTINEZ photographs P-JM-173 thru P-JM-190). LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 60 Officer Initials EM oowoumbwwTubbs Incident October 8. 2017 17CA4LNU010045 ROATH photographed fire pattern indicator flags placed by investigation team members (see attachment D, ROATH photographs 0037 thru 0112) on October 16 and 17, 2017. assisted LOHSE preparing a scene diagram (see attachment E). At approximately 2:00 P.M., LOHSE met with M. HICKMAN and D. HICKMAN. The following is a summary of their conversation, including information gathered during subsequent telephone conversations (see attachment G, LOHSE): The HICKMANS were home the night of the fire. A tree had fallen earlier in the evening, blocking their driveway. D. HICKMAN walked down to check if the road was clear and texted M. HICKMAN the road was clear at 9:38 PM. After she received the text, her daughter Victoria knocked on the kitchen door and told her, ?Mom, there is a big orange glow?. M. HICKMAN looked out a window which faces north, and said it looked like the wall of trees were on fire. She called 911 at 9:41 PM. Victoria later told M. HICKMAN she was looking out the window and saw a flash of light, then saw an orange glow, then went and told her mother. M. HICKMAN said the lights dimmed prior to her daughter notifying her. D. HICKMAN said he heard a pop or explosion and was aware of a light above him to the north. He estimated the light occurred between 9:27 and 9:28 PM. He didn't look north to see what it was. LOHSE obtained a series of photographs taken by M. HICKMAN after she evacuated (see attachment D, LOHSE photographs P-SL-296 thru P-SL-306). At 3:05 P.M., BERGLAND contacted witness Cigi RICH, who lives at - The following is a summary of their conversation (see attachment G, BERGLAND): RICH was home on the evening of Sunday, October 8, 2017, along with fianc? Jordan JEFFERIES (J. JEFFERIES) and his father Eric JEFFERIES (E. JEFFERIES). The power went out at approximately 9:00 PM. At approximately 9:45 PM. RICH and J. LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 61 Officer Initials h] mummAwM?x 11 12 13 14 15 Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNUO10045 JEFFERIES went outside and observed the fire on the hill across the valley from them. RICH took two photos from her cell phone while J. JEFFERIES called 911. The photos were time stamped 9:46 PM. and 9:49 PM. (see attachment D, RICH photographs: P- CR-OO1 and P-CR-OOZ). When they left the area on an easement road connecting to Bennett Lane, RICH didn?t observe any fire on the left or right side of them. BERGLAND took a series of ?day" photographs to compare to the RICH photographs (see Attachment D, BERGLAND photographs: P-VB-OO4 thru The is approximately .7 miles southeast of the RICH property. The first visible hills to the southeast of the RICH property include the area of Approximately 4:30 PM, LOHSE and I placed alphabetized placards at items of LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 62 Officer Initials 11/1 oowoouhmm?x Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNUO10045 interest the investigation team had identified. Placards labeled through were placed next to items of interest and were then photographed (see attachment D, MARTINEZ photographs: P- JM-195 thru P- JM-243). The alphabetized placards would later be replaced as we decided to use numerical identifiers for items collected as evidence. At approximately 5:50 PM. BERGLAND contacted Charles DARRALL (C. DARRALL) and Shannon DARRALL (S. DARRALL) at 3154 Hwy 128. The following is a summary of their conversation (see attachment G, BERGLAND): The DARRALLS were home on Sunday, October 8, 2017. At approximately 10:15 P.M., they saw a flash through their window and heard two loud booms. Both agreed the sound came from the From an upstairs location of their house, they could see a glow through the window. Friday, October 20, 2017 On October 20, 2017, I returned to at approximately 10:00 AM. with LOHSE, BERGLAND, ROATH, AND FRANKLIN. LOHSE and I placed evidence placards in the area of the structure. At approximately 12:00 PM. I met with KAROLY and the CAL FIRE LIDAR team. I briefed KAROLY on what I wanted documented, then left the area so they could work undisturbed. It was estimated it would take the rest of the day and the following day to complete the assignment of scanning the developed property at At approximately 12:00 P.M., BERGLAND contacted Luis VARGAS at -The following is a summary of the conversation (see attachment G, BERGLAND): VARGAS told BERGLAND power at his residence turned off a little before 9:00 PM. At LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 63 Of?cer Initials Tubbs lncident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 approximately 10:05 P.M., he went outside and noticed a fire on the hill above the pig farm (YANT residence). He departed his residence at approximately 12:00 AM. and saw the fire on the hill to his right while exiting on the road that ties into Bennett Lane. He did not notice fire on his left side (north) while exiting. The hillside above the YANT residence at 3452 Hwy 128 includes both the At approximately 1:00 PM, BERGLAND contacted Larry ANDERSON at- - The following is a summary of the conversation (see attachment G, BERGLANDX On the night Of October 8, 2017 ANDERSON was at home at At approximately 10:05 PM. E. JEFFERIES was at the door and told him there was fire on the hill behind his house. He evacuated his house and drove the easement road to Bennett Lane and turned right, driving past He stopped at a gravel LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 64 Officer Initials CDNODCN-D-ODNA Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 road with a metal gate and observed a fire ahead of him. He describes the fire as, ?a line of fire from the road edge toward the top of the hill?. He returned home where he took some photographs (see attachment D, ANDERSON photographs: P-LA-001 thru P-LA-005). Later, after he left his house, he took additional photographs and a video (see attachment D, ANDERSON photographs: P-LA-006 thru P-LA-020). At approximately 4:20 P.M., BERGLAND contacted Anthony PERLISS at? -. The following is a summary of the conversation (see attachment G, BERGLAND): Between 9:00 PM. and 10:00 P.M., on October 8, 2017, PERLISS was at home and noticed the lights flicker 2 to 3 times. At approximately 10:10 PM. PERLISS went outside and while in the driveway looking south, he observed a glow toward the pergola, south of the main residence. He walked to the south to inspect the glow. Halfway to the pergola, he noticed the fire. He described the fire to be like lava, low to the ground, with little to no flames. He did not smell any smoke. He went down to the pergola and the fire had not gone past it towards the main house. PERLISS said everything he could see towards Hwy 128 appeared to have burned. He texted his girlfriend at 10:37 PM. and told her the situation. He and his girlfriend exited through an easement road towards Hwy 128 and there was fire on both sides of the easement road. At approximately 4:45 P.M., I walked to and photographed the residence and associated property. While inspecting the service drop from the - to the property, a conductor was observed running through a tree uphill from the residence. While on the property I observed and photographed remnants of Romex and extension cords running uphill on a dirt trail from the residence to a wooden viewing platform, destroyed during the fire (see attachment D, MARTINEZ photographs P-JM-279 thru P-JM-288). It was later determined after talking to OKELLY and BROWN JR., the viewing platform did not have electrical power running to it for a number of years. Additionally, I did not observe any evidence of the romex or extension cord connecting to any power source on the LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 65 Officer Initials f? 8' mwomthTubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 residence. I excluded it as a possible ignition source. Saturday, October 21, 2017 On Saturday, October 21, 2017, Investigators stayed off site to avoid disturbing the LIDAR team. At 11:20 AM. LOHSE spoke with the owner of? Charlie BROWN JR. via cellular phone. The following is a summary of their conversation (see attachment G, LOHSE): BROWN JR. was asked about Romex and electrical wiring leading from the southeast comer of the main structure and going uphill to a small structure. He stated a contractor built a viewing platform and installed the wiring to be used for it. It has not been used for years. I was informed by KAROLY at approximately 7:00 PM. the LIDAR team had completed their assignment, and would not be on site the following day. Sunday, October 22, 2017 On Sunday October 22, 2017, at approximately 8:30 A.M., I traveled to 69 Lerner Drive, in Calistoga to follow up on a report of a wildland fire, described in a Calistoga Police Department report provided to CAL FIRE (see attachment HOSKINS responded to 69 Lerner Drive On October 8, 2017 prior to the Tubbs Fire dispatch, and upon arrival found the fire already out. 69 Lerner Drive is approximately 5 miles southeast of the SOA. I arrived at 69 Lerner and met with Katie SERENI who told me the following: While at home on Sunday, October 8, 2017, she observed what looked like fire on one of the overhead power lines. She then saw a branch on fire approximately 30 to 40-feet away on the ground. The branch self-extinguished and was put into the bucket of a LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 66 Officer Initials :t'l Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 backhoe and left there. There was no additional fire in the area. She was unsure what time the event occurred, but thought it was around 10:15 PM. I photographed the remains of a charred tree limb found on the ground and in the bucket, as well as the span overhead. There was no visible damage to the overhead conductor. (see attachment D, MARTINEZ photographs P-JM-289 thru P-JM-293). After meeting with SERENI, I drove to arriving at approximately 10:00 A.M., where I met with Robert TRUMBALL and Daniel DAVIS of The purpose of our meeting was to collect Smart Meters as evidence from properties surrounding the TRUMBALL and DAVIS assisted me with the collection of Smart Meter's from (evidence item 20), - (evidence item 21) and (evidence item 22) (photographs P-JM-294 thru P-JM-299). was advised by ZIMMERMAKER, that two additional CAL FIRE Investigators would be performing a peer review of the origin and cause investigation. This was done to test the determination made by the investigation team. Physical identifiers such as colored flags and evidentiary placards would have to be removed as to not influence the investigators in their review. At approximately 1:00 P.M., LOHSE and determined items to be collected as evidence and placed numbered placards 1 through 12 next to the identified items. Items were then photographed so they could be identified later when collected, following the second opinion field review. Monday, October 23, 2017 On October 23, 2017, at approximately 10:00 AM. I met with CAL FIRE Deputy Chief Jeremy MONROE and Fire Captain Darren STEWART at 1128 Bennett Lane in Calistoga. Prior to their arrival, myself and LOHSE, BERGLAND, and ROATH pulled all fire pattern indicator pin flags and placards from the subject property. White pin flags LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 67 Officer Initials Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 were maintained within the SOA to assist investigators to identify the location of evidence. Prior to MONROE and STEWART beginning their investigation, the investigation team provided a briefing which included witness statements and photographs. The team also oriented MONROE and STEWART to the surrounding properties. No information was provided regarding evidence, any working hypothesis, or any formulated opinions. Once the briefing was complete, MONROE and STEWART were left to begin their investigation. At approximately 11:00 AM, I met with representatives from the State of California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) including Deputy Director Lee PALMER, Deputy Executive Director Maryam EBKA, Utilities Engineer Raymond CH0, and Utilities Engineer Wilson TSAI. briefed CPUC representatives on the electrical systems I had identified on the property and informed them of what equipment I had collected and what I intended to collect. CPUC members inspected the area and took some photographs of the electrical systems. confirmed with CPUC members the responsibility of versus the landowner with regards to the service drop. it was my understanding through the course of the meeting that has responsibility from the service drop to the weather head. I was told Raymond CHO would be my contact regarding this case. CPUC staff left the scene at approximately 12:20 PM. Tuesday, October 24, 2017 On TUESDAY, October 24, 2017 at approximately 12:30 PM, STEWART and MONROE arrived on scene and continued their peer review examination of the initial GOA determination. At approximately 6:45 PM. they completed their examination of the scene and returned to their hotel. was contacted by STEWART and MONROE by telephone, and advised they had determined the area exterior and to the rear of the residence to be the GOA. Once they were satisfied with a GOA, they did not continue further to determine an SOA, to avoid any disturbance to the scene. They advised me they would be preparing and submitting a supplemental report of their findings. LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 68 Officer Initials If? Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 Wednesday, October 25, 2017 On Wednesday, October 25, 2017 I arrived on scene at approximately 8:30 AM. and briefed the team on collecting evidence. LOHSE, ROATH, CAL FIRE Captain Brandon BERTOLINO, and CAL FIRE Captain Kyle STEIS assisted. At approximately 9:00 AM. LOHSE and I began photographing and collecting items of evidence beginning with evidence item 19 and working backwards until evidence item E-2 was collected (see attachment D, MARTINEZ photographs P-JM-314 thru P-JM- 349). A non-sequential order of collection was done to allow Investigator?s to perform a grid search within the SOA. ROATH, BERTOLINO, and STEIS performed a grid search, photographed and collected a series of wire fragments in the SOA adjacent to the house (Evidence Item E- 1 with categorized subsets based on the grid section (see attachment and 0) At approximately 12:00 P.M., LOHSE and I continued collecting and photographing evidence items 23 through 26 (see attachment D, MARTINEZ photographs: P-JM-350 thru P-JM-357). Evidence items E-20 through E-22 were collected on October 22, 2017) At approximately 1:00 P.M., I met with CAL FIRE Forester Charlie MARTIN at the origin site. MARTIN was requested to evaluate the general condition of the trees on the property, specifically those adjacent to the The CPUC and were expected to arrive on scene at approximately 1:00 PM. to observe and assist with the collection of evidence identified as property. Representatives of the CPUC arrived on scene at approximately 1:00 PM. and arrived shortly after. I met with representative Maria DELUCA and I advised her what items I would be collecting. I observed while staff removed the identified property and turned it over to me (see attachment D, MARTINEZ photographs: P-JM- LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 69 Officer Initials Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 358 thru P-JM-361). In all, we collected in total (7) fuse assemblies from poles 1 thru 3, and (1) line drop from pole 3 to the (evidence items E-27 through E-34). All evidence collection was completed at approximately 4:00 PM. and was handed over to STEIS, who took custody of, and transported it to the Sonoma Lake Napa Unit (LNU) Headquarters at 2210 West College Ave in Santa Rosa, CA, where it was placed in the evidence locker. In January 2018, I received a report from MARTIN on his evaluation of trees surrounding the burned structure at?, and the overall stand of trees in, and around, the developed portion of the property. MARTIN provided photographs with graphics as well as a diagram (see attachment M). The following is a summary of his ?ndings: The primary species in and surrounding the developed property of? include coast live oak, Douglas-fir, coast redwood, foothill pine, along with various shrub species. MARTIN did not observe significant defects on the main trunks or branches of trees surrounding the developed portion of the property. Trees near the structure showed signs of pruning on the lower branches. Trees #1 and which are located immediately adjacent to the structure on the northeast side had signs of heart rot in the main trunk and lateral branches, and showed signs of poor pruning cuts. Tree #1 showed hollow and burned out broken branches and burned out pruning wounds. Other than heart rot in both trees, there were no signs of insect or pathogen pests that would significantly impact individual trees on the property. Based on the number of cavities observed on trees #1 and MARTIN concluded there was a significant amount of heart rot in the main scaffold branches and lateral branches. By decaying the central wood of a trunk or branch, heart rot fungi can significantly weaken the structure of a tree. I did not observe any charred remains of branches observed within the SOA. LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 70 Officer Initials Ml Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 On Thursday, January 25, 2018 at approximately 1:00 PM, I received a supplemental investigation report prepared by STEWART and MONROE. In summary, STEWART and MONROE determined the area exterior to the rear of the residence to be the GOA. They were unable to determine an SOA due to lack of micro scale indicators available to examine (see attachment N). On January 26, 2018 at approximately 3:00 P.M., I spoke with trial lawyer James FRANTZ with Frantz Law Group, out of Santa Rosa, CA. FRANTZ told me he was in possession of information regarding the location and cause of the Tubbs Fire and he was willing to share the information with me. The information would be available the following day in Santa Rosa. arranged for BERTOLINO to meet with FRANTZ and receive the information. On Saturday, January 27, 2018 met with FRANTZ at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Santa Rosa and was provided a thumb drive containing a Power Point presentation (see attachment J, FRANTZ). BERTOLINO mailed me the thumb drive with the presentation. In summary, the material provided suggests the Tubbs Fire originated near 1318 Bennett Lane, a location approximately 2200-feet northeast of the SOA. The determination of the GOA and overall fire progression, including witness statements, indicate this location was not consumed by fire until well after the fire was reported and established. The location was eliminated as a fire origin. On March 8, 2017, at approximately 10:50 AM, I met NOLT in Santa Rosa at the CAL FIRE LNU Headquarters to review physical evidence. We examined the conductor associated with private pole 1. All sections of conductor had heat and fire damage consistent with an external source such as a burning pole. This was evident by the observation of damage to the underside of the conductor jacket and tape. Also, there was no indication of arcing found on any of the conductor associated with private pole 1. LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 71 Officer Initials ?l Tubbs- Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 Following the review of the private electrical system, NOLT looked at the fuse assemblies collected from The fuses found in pole 2 (pole 773) were 25 Amp fuses. We examined the fuse assemblies from poles 1 and 3 and observed no obvious signs of damage. During the review, NOLT was unable to open and identify the fuse type in poles 1 and 3. After NOLT finished his examination, I left Santa Rosa and drove to Anamet, INC in Hayward, CA, where I met with Testing Manager M. Dilip BHANDARKAR and James BELLINO. I transferred custody of the evidence items I determined to have tested (evidence items E-1, E-2, E-5, E-25 and E-32) to BELLINO at 4:10 PM (see attachment F). has provided numerous data files to ZIMMERMAKER, who transferred then to me. Any data not referenced in this report has been retained on a storage device kept in the evidence locker in LNU. On June 27, 2018, at approximately 9:00 AM. I met with NOLT and BERTOLINO at Technology Center at 3400 Crow Canyon Road San Ramon, CA. BERTOLINO brought Smart Meters from 1200, 1110, and 1177 Bennett Lane (evidence items E-20, E-21, and E-22). At approximately 11:00 AM. Smart Meter Data was extracted by ltron, Inc technicians. The raw data was handed over to CAL FIRE on a thumb drive and collected as evidence. The Evidence items were returned to BERTOLINO, who transported them back to the LNU Evidence locker at 2210, West College Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA (see attachment F). On September 17, 2018, I was contacted by Regina Bagdasarian (BAGDASARIAN), a Lawyer with the FRANTZ LAW GROUP. BAGDASARIAN informed me their investigator, Michael Schulz, had compiled some definitive information on the origin of the Tubbs Fire that he wanted to share it with me. I contacted BALDWIN who informed me BERTOLINO would pick up the information from SCHULZ in Santa Rosa later in the month (see attachment J, FRANTZ). LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 72 Officer initials jilfk oowovoonoMTubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNUO10045 On September 19, 2018, I received a draft report authored by BELLINO, on the metallurgical evaluation of the five samples exposed to the fire at 1128 Bennett Lane. The samples submitted for analysis included evidence items E-1, E-2, E-5, E-25, and E- 32. In summary, the report reached the following conclusion: (see attachment P): ?No evidence that the system was energized at the time conductors were severed was observed in the samples submitted. If the conductors were charged when they were severed and fell to the ground, the physical evidence of that condition, namely electric arcing, was destroyed by extensive fire exposure and melting." On September 24, 2018, I spoke with Fire Investigator Mike COLE, who told me he was an investigator for insurance companies. He had obtained cell phone video footage from an unknown witness. COLE told me the video had been analyzed and it was determined the fire had originated from the top of the hill near the ZINC house on the 1128 Bennett Lane property. I requested a copy of the video. On September 28, 2018, BERTOLINO received a thumb drive containing a Power Point presentation identi?ed by BAGDASARIAN, named ?Tubbs Fire, Investigative Update, September 27, 2018? (see attachment J, FRANTZ). BERTOLINO mailed me the thumb drive with the presentation. In summary, the material provided suggests the Tubbs Fire originated on the hillside along Bennett Lane, on the in the vicinity of the satellite dish or conductor running parallel to -. Upon review, CAL FIRE Investigators determined this area was not within the GOA, utilizing macro indicators observed at the scene. On October 12, 2018 was emailed a copy of video footage from COLE which was put onto a thumb drive and stored as evidence. In the email, COLE explained the dashboard time in the vehicle is 9:58 P.M., but the record time was 9:45 P.M., as determined by the metadata (not provided). COLE claims the video was recorded along Hwy 128 just north of Tubbs Lane (see attachment J, COLE). LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 73 Officer Initials $81 Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 On November 15, 2018, I received a copy of a letter to CAL FIRE counsel Bruce CRANE from Counsel Elizabeth COLLIER (see attachment R). In summary, the letter clarifies Fuse 773 pole 2) operated on October 8, 2017 at 9:20 PM, de- energizing residences including 1128, 1200, and 1177 Bennett Lane. On December 11, 2018, I received a final report authored by BELLINO on the metallurgical evaluation of the five samples exposed to the fire at 1128 Bennett Lane. The samples submitted for analysis included evidence items E-1, E-2, E-5, E-25, and E- 32. In summary, the report reached the following conclusion: (see attachment P): ?No evidence that the system was energized at the time conductors were severed was observed in the samples submitted. If the conductors were charged when they were severed and fell to the ground, the physical evidence of that condition, namely electric arcing, was destroyed by extensive fire exposure and melting." On December 26, 2018, I received a final report from NOLT on his observations on the ignition source of the Tubbs Fire. In his Abstract, NOLT writes; ?The source of ignition for the wild land fire in the subject area was electrically undetermined because of the severe damage to the electrical equip in and around while automatic equipment (smart meters, SCADA, reclosers, etc.) responded to and documented some of the fire progression events, the combination of physical evidence, data, witness statements, videos, etc. do not confirm that equipment was the source of ignition". NOLT further discusses that if an electrical fault within the wiring at 1128 Bennett Lane was responsible for the 2-25A fuses blowing on pole 773 pole 2), then the 2-3A fuses on pole 3 would have also been blown and they were not. NOLT also states; ?It is therefore more likely the 2-25A fuses blowing is the result of some other source of load increase like; occupant demand, occupant fire suppression, or some other undetermined phenomenon". LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 74 Officer Initials Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 1TCALNU010045 Under point 5 of his report, NOLT discusses the lack of physical evidence near the residence, normally used to evaluate, was not present because it was all consumed by fire. He goes on further to stating; ?Any subsequent fire induced melting of a conductor can destroy the fine melt details of an arced conductor. This fire induced conductor melting destroys the evidence of any possible arcing ignition?. No such evidence was found by NOLT. Opinions and Conclusion: Based on my training, education and experience, investigation team input, witness statements, expert evaluations, and evidence collected, I have formed opinions on the origin and cause of the Tubbs Fire. A service drop, privately owned conductor and equipment, and several aluminum conductor fragments were recovered. Fire pattern indicators showed fire spread towards the structure, indicating an ignition in the light fuels between the structure and pole 3. However, there is no evidence showing the conductors were ?charged? when they were severed and fell to the ground, as described by The condition of the conductors suggests they were suspended while exposed to sustained heat and flames from heavy fuels such as burning vegetation or a structure. This is further corroborated by the light flashy fuels present where the conductors came to rest, which would not provide the sustained heat and flame needed to damage the conductor, further suggesting the fire damage occurred while suspended. The fire pattern indicators observed in the light ground fuels immediately east of the structure are likely a secondary ignition from the already burning, ?uncharged" service drop and private conductor after they fell to the ground. The aluminum conductor fragments are likely a result of the conductor fracturing from heat. hardware was collected as evidence from pole 3 and was found to be undamaged and in good repair. Fuses collected from pole 3 were rated 3-A P, LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 75 Officer Initials Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNUO10045 found in good condition, and showed no evidence of operating. If an event would have occurred, such as a tree or limb falling on equipment between pole 3 and the roof top weather head, causing damage, this in theory would result in the 3-AMP fuses on the transformer operating, protecting the equipment between the weather head and Bennett Lane. The fact that the 3-AMP fuses did not operate in addition to the metallurgist finding no evidence of conductivity on these conductors at the time of their break, provides no evidence supporting the conductor and/or equipment between pole 3 and the weather head as causes of the fire. Therefore, it is unlikely equipment is responsible for causing the Tubbs Fire. Fuse is located on This fuse was reported as operating (opening the circuit) at approximately 9:20 P.M., on October 8, 2017. The fire was initially reported at approximately 9:41 PM. The pole 3 contains 3-AMP fuses with the objective of protecting the main distribution lines from an event at the In theory, if an event happened at the residence between pole 3 and the residence, the 3-AMP fuses would operate and not the 25 AMP fuses at Fuse 773. The fact that Fuse 773 operated, but the 3-AMP fuses did not, provides further evidence an event causing damage and a fault did not occur between pole 3 and the - while there was electricity at the Property (prior to 9:20 P.M.). However, these facts stated in this paragraph do not eliminate a structure fire or a fault on the private conductor line at from occurring prior to 9:20 PM. This is due to the fact if an event occurred on the private conductor line and/or privately owned electrical equipment at the residence, this in theory would result in the electrical circuit breakers at the residence operating, shutting off power to the electrical meter and disconnecting the circuit to the service drop. This in theory would not result in the pole 3, 3-AMP fuses operating, and would keep them in the position they were found when collected as evidence. In summary, these facts stated above disprove the theory of the conductor and equipment between pole 3 and the residence as a cause of the fire. However, these facts stated above still leave the possibility of a LE8O (Rev. 7/2011) 76 Officer Initials Tubbs Incident October 8. 2017 17CALNUO10045 fire cause by the structure and/or private conductor lines at the property. At the after the service drop, electrical power was redistributed to the residence, associated structures, and water pump and well via privately owned conductor and equipment. According to ANDREWS, caretaker of the property, there was no gas service in the residence and power was on the day of the fire. Private pole 3, which was located immediately adjacent to the residence was the primary distribution pole for private conductor extending northwest towards the pool area and southeast towards the water pump station. Private pole 3 was identified to be replaced in the near future by ANDREWS, because of its weakened condition. It was completely consumed by fire, with the exception of a small piece observed next to the pole?s burned out hole. The privately owned electrical hardware was destroyed during the fire and no evidence of an electrical event was observed. However, the existence of private pole 3 on the north side of the residence provides some theory of explanation for the lack of evidence of an electrical event found on the private conductor. Due to the light ground fuels to the north of private pole 3, it is my opinion as a fire investigator, if the pole fell to the north into this vegetation, we would have found the pole more in-tact, due to low ?re intensity. If the pole fell to the south, this would pull the private conductor on top of the structure, which burned upwards of 1981 degrees Fahrenheit, based on the presence of melted copper found within the structure. This theory of the private conductor evidence being consumed by the structure fire provides an explanation as to why no evidence of the private conductor being energized at the time of the fire was found by the metallurgist. The electrical meter and circuit breakers associated with the structure were also destroyed by the fire. If these items were preserved, it would further clarify the cause of the fire. Gathered data, evidence, fire indicators, and witness statements established within this investigation, provide no evidence to disprove the structure itself or the private conductor line at? as a cause of the fire. If an event occurred, such as a tree, limb, or pole falling, causing trauma to the privately-owned conductor, LE8O (Rev. 7/2011) 77 Officer Initials if] (om?mU?l-D-ODN?i Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 evidence of such an event was not observed. In summary, after a thorough, systematic investigation, taking into account witness statements, expert opinion, physical evidence, collected data, and ?re indicators, the origin of the Tubbs Fire is the primary residential structure and immediate area surrounding the structure at During my investigation, I eliminated all other causes for the Tubbs Fire, with the exception of an electrical caused fire originating from an unknown event affecting privately owned conductor or equipment. reserve the right to amend or augment my opinion if new information is provided to, or Signature Date discovered by me at a later date. John MARTINEZ, #2987 Battalion Chief CAL FIRE San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 78 Officer Initials ?le Tubbs Incident October 8, 2017 17CALNU010045 10 - ATTACHMENTS: A. Weather conditions discussion prepared by CAL FIRE North Ops predictive services B. FC-34 lnteragency Report of Incident and Dispatch Action C. Tubbs Damage Inspection Report (report appendix A provided on disk). D. Photographs MARTINEZ LOHSE ROATH BERGLAND STEIS MARTIN RICH HOSKINS 11.MILLER 13. COMPARISON 14.JACKSON E. Incident sketches and diagrams F. Evidence log/Chain of custody G. CAL FIRE LE 71, Supplemental Reports FRITS MARTINEZ LOHSE BERGLAND ROATH LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) 79 Officer Initials 9199!?? Tubbs Incident 383339.257? LE80 (Rev. 7/2011) October 8, 2017 17CALNUO10045 6. FRANKLIN 7. BERTOLINO . CAL FIRE LE 78, Witness Statements HOSKINS report Calistoga Police Department . Additional shared information 1. MILLER 2. FRANTZ 3. OKELLY 4. COLE LE-100 inspection report for 1128 Bennett Lane LIDAR mapping exhibit Forester MARTIN supplemental report Peer Review MONROE and STEWART SOA Grid Search Metallurgist Report Electrical Engineer Report. Correspondence 80 Officer Initials ?15?